DHA is what?
The full name of DHA [docosahexaenoic acid] is an unsaturated fatty acid, which can promote the health of baby’s nerve, vision and immune system. As to whether it can improve baby’s intelligence, there is still no sufficient research to prove it.
Lay emphasis
- DHA was first found in breast milk, not deep sea fish as we usually think, nor seaweed. China recommends that infants and young children should consume 100 milligrams of DHA every day. The best source of DHA is breast milk, followed by other foods (formula milk, seafood, etc.). DHA supplements can be used “moderately” when the intake from food is insufficient.
How to supplement DHA?
- Full-term, breast-fed baby
No extra supplement is needed (the mother can ensure the baby’s needs by taking 200mg DHA every day).
- Babies who do not eat breast milk or do not have enough breast milk.
Drink formula milk powder containing DHA (choose formula milk with DHA content accounting for 0.2% ~ 0.5% of total fat content).
-
Premature infant
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that premature infants with a birth weight of less than 1000g should have a daily DHA intake of ≥ 21 mg per kilogram of body weight, while premature infants with a birth weight of less than 1500g should have a daily DHA intake of ≥ 18 mg per kilogram of body weight. “It is recommended to consult a doctor to determine whether their baby needs to be supplemented with supplements.”